Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 31, 2026

Characterization of Metabolic Status in Nonhuman Primates with the Intravenous Glucose Tolerance Test
Published on: November 13, 2016
[Glucose metabolism in older patients]
T Laurentius1, M Freitag1,2, J Eitner1
1Lehrstuhl für Altersmedizin, Klinik für Innere Medizin und Geriatrie am Franziskushospital Aachen, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Morillenhang 27, 52074, Aachen, Deutschland.
Abstract:
Current guidelines for specialized treatment of diabetes mellitus in the elderly (>65 years old) are primarily based on epidemiologic studies and geriatric assessment of functional health. Yet, age-dependent alterations of glucose metabolism and homeostasis are highly relevant to the pathophysiology of diabetes in the elderly. In this review, we focus on age-related alterations in metabolic pathways and their relevance for the specialized diabetic care in the elderly. We review the role of increasing insulin resistance, age-related β‑cell dysfunction and incretin secretion. The clinical relevance of these effects will also be discussed in regard to the central geriatric syndrome of sarcopenia and antidiabetic drug therapy.
Related Concept Videos
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Metabolism
Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Metabolism and Excretion
What is Metabolism?
Glucose Homeostasis: Regulation of Blood Glucose
During fasting, when blood glucose levels are low, the pancreas secretes glucagon. it...
Glucose Transporters
Facilitated diffusion-glucose transporters (GLUTs) are encoded by the solute-linked carrier (SLC) family 2, subfamily A gene family, or SLC2A. The 14 GLUT protein members are distributed into three classes:

